In an industry that usually focuses its attention on manufactured characters, a new voice rises up – a music style that has found itself in a multification of genres and has come to be known as Dread Fury. His first song ”Underneath Your Mask” has set trends and music lovers expect this group to revolutionize the industry by presenting something that goes beyond the scope of simple categorization with an intricate and original sound.
Mixing some elements of indie, soul, blues, rock, hip hop, and funk and giving the name “IndieSoulBlues”, Dread Fury creates a surrealistic sounding experience, much like the complexities of the humankind. They are all as diverse as their muses. They are ranging from the eclectic musings of Prince to the intrinsic depth of Marvin Gaye and their creative forces behind the rhythmic groove, the soaring melody and uncompromising self-expression do not go unwrapped.
As a mastermind behind the powerfully efficient songwriting and commanding performances of Dread Fury, he has a lot of true stories to tell. The “Underneath Your Mask” single, which serves as a preview for the upcoming LP, “Devil’s Advocate or Heaven’s Prophet” – a riveting long-form concept album that tackles topics like tough realities while instilling hope – is just the first step in the long road.
The mysteric is acknowledged by Dread Fury in conversation, but it is balanced with a down-to-earth, almost pastoral humanity. Their ambitions are as lofty as their sound is genre-obliterating: to evoke the activation of self-awareness and honesty in every tune’s beneficiary. Now, as a new singles and a high-energy live show aim at burning the stages down with their powerful message, it is clear that it is the right time to let go of the masks and allow the raw emotions of true artistry take over.
For the ones getting tired of the soulless, mechanical music, Dread Fury has come to their rescue as the most powerful antidote for all those feelings. And in turn they will be confident and self-reflective, providing a soulful rock sound with which we can all connect with.
Listen to Underneath Your Mask below
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What is your stage name?
My stage name is Dread Fury
Is there a story behind your stage name?
It was derived from my hair constantly getting mistaken for dreadlocks and also from auditioning for a drummer who filmed a video referring to me as “the fury”. So I combined “dread” and “fury”, and now here we are.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration from parts of my life to reading books and listening to my favourite artists such as Prince, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, D’Angelo etc. I also draw upon the concept of Afrofuturism. I have quite a wild imagination.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
Music was my comfort zone. I’ve always been considered introverted or eccentric and music was the place I could go where I could express my thoughts.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Well not really. Though my dad said he used to play bass in a band years ago.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
I don’t consider myself to be part of the music industry. I’m about making music and art as opposed. A better question would be “what inspired me to make music?” In which case, I had a dream in which Jimi Hendrix texted me to jam with him. It was bizarre but I saw it as a sign.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
I had been singing since school and I was messing around on the drums back then to. Then I wrote my first song around 13 years old. I was just writing anything that came to mind and it was only when I got older and listened to Prince and realised he played all his instruments that I started learning other instruments such as keyboards, bass, guitar, harmonica etc. It was great.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I went to see Michael Jackson at Wembley Stadium in 1997. It was good but unfortunately he mimed for most of it. Great spectacle, nonetheless.
How could you describe your music?
I’d say it’s a combination of indie, soul, blues, rock, hip-hop and funk. I call it “IndieSoulBlues”.
Describe your creative process.
I always start with a rhythm track so that would usually be the drums or drum machine or drum programming. Then I would throw in a guitar or keyboard before adding the bass. This part is so important because what you play determines the groove. Then I will add my vocals and then I add anything else afterwards if needed. The lyrics will come but it’s really important that the vocal melody fits the track. It adds something to it.
What is your main inspiration?
I couldn’t give you a definitive answer as it really does vary from day to day.
What musician do you admire most and why?
Prince. He did everything himself and in doing so, he showed you what he was about as a musician and an artist. It was all him. The full package. And even when his popularity waned, he still did him. Like Marvin Gaye, he represented musical integrity and I’ve yet to hear an artist or band before or since that measure that.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Yes definitely. I’m a lot more confident in my ability and I try to spend more time refining my style. I’m now at the stage where I can say that my style is fully realised.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
No one. Music is not a competition. Anyone who says otherwise shouldn’t be making music. It sounds harsh but that’s what I genuinely believe.
What are your interests outside of music?
I love to read and I love to write. I like to walk and explore too.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be a writer. I also do support work with vulnerable young adults.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
How long have you got? Hahaha. But seriously, I hate dealing with egotistical musicians. I’ve been to many open mics where some artists take themselves way too seriously. I also hate dealing with people telling me “Oh, you should collaborate with this person or that person.” It’s really irritating and it also shows a lack of appreciation for the artist’s journey.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
Let artists and bands make the music and get paid what they deserve.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
“Underneath Your Mask” is a track from my upcoming album and it was chosen as it tells the story of someone who won’t reveal their true self. We all try and hide under some sort of mask and choose what we reveal. The new album is called “Devil’s Advocate or Heaven’s Prophet” and it is called that because it shows the duality of humans. Which one are we? Or are we both? It’s great.
What are your plans for the coming months?
I plan to release a few more singles, release the album and then play a few live shows as well. It’s going to be very busy.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans
I work with a friend who is a cello player and appears on my album. Other than that, I’m not a fan of collaborations. I feel they are overrated in my opinion and not everyone is built to collaborate. If it feels right, then it will work. They shouldn’t be forced.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Do whatever you want to do. There are no limits and make sure it makes you happy. A resilient mind is the strongest tool ever.
